Hardin County officials discuss new open-meetings posting deadline under House Bill 1522

Hardin County commissioners discussed how House Bill 1522 will change the county's public-notice timeline and what operational steps the court should take before the law takes effect Sept. 1. County Judge told the court that "going forward after September 1, those meeting notices must be posted by 5PM on Wednesday before Tuesday meeting." The judge said the court currently posts agendas by noon Friday for Tuesday meetings and flagged holidays and agenda-preparation timing as the main operational issues.

The change matters because it shortens the calendar window for preparing and posting full agendas and any backup material that must accompany discussion of the budget. The judge told the court the new deadline can effectively require notices to be posted earlier when holidays fall on certain weekdays and suggested the court could move meeting days or post agendas earlier to reduce last-minute pressure.

During discussion the judge explained that when the court begins discussing a proposed budget, the entire budget must be attached to the agenda under the new rule; staff said they plan to provide electronic backup materials via links so the full budget is accessible without printing. Laura (Treasurer) and other staff were asked to coordinate and bring a proposal back to the court on a possible schedule shift or an internal posting plan. The judge recommended the treasurer and auditor prepare a written proposal for the court. "We'll do that," the treasurer replied.

The court did not take a formal vote on schedule changes at the workshop. Commissioners agreed to consider the schedule change and return with a proposal; the county also plans to continue using agenda links so backup documents can be updated after the agenda posts if necessary. The court noted the effective date is Sept. 1 and that they have several weeks to finalize an approach before the new posting requirement begins.